Wine Tastings Côtes du Couchois

Tucked into southern Burgundy, the Côtes du Couchois is a petite wine region lying around the ancient town of Couches on gently rolling hills overlooking the Dheune River. Officially recognised as a Bourgogne geographical appellation in 2000, it comprises six communes in Saône‑et‑Loire and stands out for its exclusively Pinot Noir reds. Although modest in size—with vineyards covering only a few dozen hectares—it benefits from limestone-clay soils and elevations of 280–420 m that mirror nearby Côte de Beaune terrain. Gentle yet structured, its wines reveal floral and red‑fruit aromas with generosity and charm. 

Wine tourism in Côtes du Couchois pairs discovery with intimacy. Alongside Château de Couches and its historic cellars, wine lovers can visit small domaines in Couches, Saint‑Sernin‑du‑Plain and neighbouring villages for authentic vineyard tours and tastings. The local producers’ union (UPNCC) organises events such as the Ronde du Couchois in August, where domaine and négociant wines are sampled in caveaux across several villages. Hiking routes and the Route 71 wine trail stitch together estates and local heritage under gently rolling landscapes. This region delivers refined wine tasting without the crowds.

Local cuisine in Couchois is deeply rooted in Burgundy tradition yet refined enough to pair with the region’s delicate reds. In village bistros and taverns near vineyards, you’ll find classic charcuterie, beef bourguignon, and regional cheeses like Époisses or Cîteaux. At Château de Couches’ restaurant, meals complement vineyard tours and cave tastings. These dishes bring out the Pinot Noir’s savory-spicy edge and red-berry fruit, showcasing balanced regional gastronomy.

Only Pinot Noir reds are permitted under the Bourgogne Côtes du Couchois appellation. The grape thrives in the marl‑limestone soils and exposures geared to the south or southeast. Although some domaines experiment with small amounts of Chardonnay or Aligoté for nouveau bottlings, the appellation still awaits a separate white AOC. The intensity of Pinot Noir here reflects the region’s cooler altitude and refined viticultural standards—yield limits are even stricter than generic Bourgogne to ensure concentration and typicity.

Côtes du Couchois experiences a temperate oceanic climate with continental influences: winters bring frost and occasional snow, while summers are warm with afternoon storms. Rainfall peaks in autumn and dips in summer. Harvest typically occurs in late September to early October. Visitors during August can attend the Ronde du Couchois, and those arriving in early autumn will find vineyards ablaze with colour and wine events marking the end of harvest.

A long weekend in the Couchois might begin with exploring the Château de Couches and its museum before moving on to a tasting at a local domaine. On day two, hike or cycle the Côte Chalonnaise wine trail into Couchois, stopping in Saint‑Jean‑de‑Trézy and Dracy‑lès‑Couches for cellar visits and lunch in a village auberge. If your trip aligns with early August, don’t miss the Ronde du Couchois wine festival. Wrap up with a relaxed tasting tour via Route 71 and a final evening in Mercurey or Santenay, just a short drive north.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Côtes du Couchois:

• Domaine du Beauregard
• Domaine LACOUR
• Domaine de Cromey

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Côtes du Couchois:

• Two-Hour Burgundy Wine Tasting Class in Historic Cellars at Domaine de Cromey
• Wine Tasting at Domaine du Beauregard in the Heart of Côtes du Couchois
• Wine Tasting and Vineyard Visit at Domaine Lacour in Saint-Sernin-du-Plain